This article explores the complexity of learning the literacy practices and conventions in the discipline of English language arts. Literacies are explored in the areas of writing/composition, reading/literature, and language/grammar, with attention to the situated nature of proper expression and understanding with respect to each. The author…

The role of functional literacy, linked to employment, leads to a narrow view of rural learners' need both economically and socially. The drive for individuals to take responsibility for their own learning and development is, indeed, a good thing. However, the burden of guilt felt by those who are unable, or unwilling, to achieve the standards set…

A well-educated teacher equipped with diverse reading materials is the best single answer to the reading problem. (Author)

Discusses some areas which require the immediate attention of research in adult education, including policymaking and program planning, teaching methods, training needs of staff, evaluation, attitudes, motivation, production of teaching material, administration and organization, adult literacy, and functional literacy. (TA)

Very few Asian children enroll in school. Those who do enroll are faced with many problems, such as ill-trained teachers and under-equipped classrooms. Moreover, those who manage to obtain a college degree have difficulty in finding jobs. (CK)

The concensus of opinions concerning current literacy programmes was that, in spite of the fact that communication skills (reading, writing, arithmetic) are sill viewed as important, there was an expressed need for subjects and educational materials and aids relevant to production in agriculture as well as in industry. (Author)

One hundred sixty adult basic education students functioning at or below the sixth-grade level rated the extent to which they needed to learn 20 functional tasks. Factor analysis suggested three broad categories: everyday reading and writing, math and measurement, and special literacy tasks. Cluster analysis identified distinct subgroups based on…

Discusses England's responsibility to help upgrade developing nations through educational assistance. (BH)

Presents issues and research concerning the assessment and education of incarcerated juvenile offenders. Summarizes the special needs and problems of this population, examines programs and offender characteristics, and suggests an evaluation outline. Proposes an evaluation model for use in juvenile educational programming and offers suggestions…

Literacy programs are needed by four groups: rural personnel, dropouts and pushouts, neo-literates, and the educated elite. The use of three principles for raising literacy standards for functional literacy programs for each of the groups is discussed, and some program suggestions are offered. (BP)

Describes a functional education program, financed by UNICEF and developed in India, which offers meaningful solutions to the daily life problems of students in third world nations. Presents learning activities related to self-employment which include functional literacy skill development as a byproduct. (NEC)

Discusses the multicultural education thrust to reduce illiteracy, as well as the linkage between language and identity. It is argued that encouraging literacy requires sensitivity to both roles of the tension between core knowledge and skills and the promotion of group values and culture. (60 references) (GLR)